Transport strike starts as fare hike takes effect

Make this your preferred source to get more updates from this publisher on Google.

The transport group Samahang Manibela, Mananakay at Nagkaisang Terminal ng Transportasyon (Manibela) on Monday started its three-day transport strike as a fare hike took effect.

Manibela conducted its transport strike in parts of Metro Manila to protest against rising fuel prices and call for higher fares.

Members of the group as well as some transport network vehicle service (TNVS) and UV Express drivers, motorcycle taxi riders and truckers, gathered at University Avenue in Quezon City early morning, according to a report of James Agustin on Unang Balita.

They proceeded in a caravan toward Philcoa and held a program to air their demands.

Among their calls are lower fuel prices, fare increase, and the removal of excise taxes and value-added tax (VAT) on petroleum products.

Some motorcycle taxi and TNVS drivers who joined the protest said they decided not to operate on Monday to support the transport strike.

Manibela chairperson Mar Valbuena said their program in Philcoa will last until around 10 a.m.

According to him, around 20,000 to 25,000 jeepney drivers in various routes in Metro Manila were expected to participate in the strike.

The group also criticized the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) over its statement that drivers who join the strike could face fines.

Fare hike

Meanwhile, the fare hike for public utility vehicles took effect Monday morning.

Based on the fare hike approved by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), P1 will be added to the current minimum fare for jeepneys, and an additional P2 for every succeeding kilometer.

The new minimum fare for traditional jeepneys is P14 (up by one peso from P13) for the first four kilometers, with an additional P2 for every succeeding kilometer (up from P1.80).

For modern jeepneys, the new minimum fare will be P17 (up from P15) for the first four kilometers, with an additional P2.40 for every succeeding kilometer (up from P2.20).

The mandatory discounts for students, senior citizens and persons with disabilities will continue to apply, the memo stated. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News